Ugwuanyi swears in 17 new council chairmen

Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State congratulating the newly elected Chairman of Uzo Uwani Local Government Area, Barr. Fidelis Ani and his wife, Ifeoma, during the swearing in ceremony of the 17 Council Chairmen and their Deputies at the Michael Okpara Square, Enugu, yesterday.

Enugu State Governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi yesterday swore-in 17 elected local council chairmen and their deputies in what he described as a new order in the state.

He charged them to discharge their mandate honestly, effectively and creditably in line with their oath of office and the state government’s aggressive rural development efforts.

He also urged them to ensure that all campaign promises were fulfilled, stressing the need for them to reside in their respective council areas to effectively discharge their duties.

At the event, which was attended by Deputy President of Senate, Ike Ekweremadu, the governor noted that the local government was nearest to the grassroots, saying, “unless you dwell among them as their elected leaders and wear the same shoe as the people, you may never know where it hurts.”

Ugwuanyi said he appreciated the people for electing the candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in a peaceful manner during the council elections.

He also thanked the independent observers and 37 of the 40 registered political parties for rating the exercise as free, fair, peaceful, transparent and credible.

He equally commended the Enugu State Independent Electoral Commission
(ENSIEC) for the professional manner it conducted the electoral process and for setting a noble standard, which its counterparts should strive to match.

“Importantly, every part of each local council and ward must have its fair share of the blessings and opportunities that democracy offers,” Ugwuanyi advised.

Chairman of Uzo-Uwani Local Council, Fidelis Ani, who responded on behalf of his colleagues thanked the governor and the people of the state for the trust and confidence they reposed in them to pilot the affairs of the 17 council areas.

He added that they were aware of the task before them and promised that they would discharge their duties effectively to the satisfaction of their people.